Race tracks in the US?
08-31-2015, 11:40 AM
#16
Rennlist Member
Although you don't have to come all the way off the track anymore between laps; there is a card reader/toll gate arrangement.
Still a blast, though!
To the OP, local clubs typically rent tracks in the U.S. for a day or weekend; PCA and BMWCCA are good places to start looking, as they typically run safe events. Depending on where you are, I am sure people here can give you more input.
08-31-2015, 12:39 PM
#17
Oh please...don't think I'm not one to prepare. I'm a stickler for proper practice, planning and preparation. I can assure you of that.
What I liked about the 'Ring was I could stop in, have some fun for 11 miles and be on my way. Just makes it more accessible, more often. And while I would agree that the tourist days are not as safe as fully organized driving events, it's far safer than getting your high speed kicks in on public roads.
To be fair, I have not experienced ANY road courses here in the states. Just drag strips. Drag strips are pretty easy also.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to best become educated on the process of getting involved with road course driving events?
Please excuse the 'newbie' question.
Thanks!
What I liked about the 'Ring was I could stop in, have some fun for 11 miles and be on my way. Just makes it more accessible, more often. And while I would agree that the tourist days are not as safe as fully organized driving events, it's far safer than getting your high speed kicks in on public roads.
To be fair, I have not experienced ANY road courses here in the states. Just drag strips. Drag strips are pretty easy also.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to best become educated on the process of getting involved with road course driving events?
Please excuse the 'newbie' question.
Thanks!
08-31-2015, 05:11 PM
#18
Three Wheelin'
The only thing in the US that comes even close would be Open Road Racing which is conducted on closed sections of public roads. However these are a form of Rally where competitors are assigned speed classes (maximum speed) by experience and car prep level; in this form of racing, regardless of class, you are aiming for a specific par time. I've never participated in one, but they sound like yet a completely different experience from the Nordschleife or an HPDE day.
The Big Bend Open Road Race is 59 miles in each direction on US Highway 285.
Another, more well known event, is the Silver State Classic held in Nevada on State Route #318 between Lund and Hiko. This path is 90 miles of fenced, two lane highway with long straights, twisty sections and dips.
Ryan
The Big Bend Open Road Race is 59 miles in each direction on US Highway 285.
Another, more well known event, is the Silver State Classic held in Nevada on State Route #318 between Lund and Hiko. This path is 90 miles of fenced, two lane highway with long straights, twisty sections and dips.
Ryan
09-01-2015, 10:31 AM
#19
Drifting
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There is nothing like the Nordschleife anywhere else in the world. It is unique and the fact it even exists boggles my mind.
As for other "normal" race circuits, the USA has quite a few premier tracks all with lengths on par with the other top European tracks.
Showing up and paying to run a track as if it was a public road, a la touristenfahrten days at the 'Ring, I think is mostly a unique German thing. The USA couldn't swallow the liability and does not have the cultural driving discipline for it, imo.
As for other "normal" race circuits, the USA has quite a few premier tracks all with lengths on par with the other top European tracks.
Showing up and paying to run a track as if it was a public road, a la touristenfahrten days at the 'Ring, I think is mostly a unique German thing. The USA couldn't swallow the liability and does not have the cultural driving discipline for it, imo.
09-02-2015, 08:40 PM
#22
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The only thing in the US that comes even close would be Open Road Racing which is conducted on closed sections of public roads. However these are a form of Rally where competitors are assigned speed classes (maximum speed) by experience and car prep level; in this form of racing, regardless of class, you are aiming for a specific par time. I've never participated in one, but they sound like yet a completely different experience from the Nordschleife or an HPDE day.
The Big Bend Open Road Race is 59 miles in each direction on US Highway 285.
Another, more well known event, is the Silver State Classic held in Nevada on State Route #318 between Lund and Hiko. This path is 90 miles of fenced, two lane highway with long straights, twisty sections and dips.
Ryan
The Big Bend Open Road Race is 59 miles in each direction on US Highway 285.
Another, more well known event, is the Silver State Classic held in Nevada on State Route #318 between Lund and Hiko. This path is 90 miles of fenced, two lane highway with long straights, twisty sections and dips.
Ryan
i've heard of such events - sound amazing to participate. i should get out more lol
09-02-2015, 08:49 PM
#23
I don't know where you live or how committed you are to track driving, but there are several driving clubs around the country. You'd have to join and pay the fees, but for example at MotorSport Ranch in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area on Member day you simply arrive and drive, with 30-minute sessions scheduled throughout the day. Last weekend was the 3.1 mile configuration and a good time was had by all.
I'm in PA...about an hour West of Philly. I did find New Jersey Motorsports Park which describes itself like a golf country club except you bring your car and drive the courses. Cost is $15k lifetime membership, $2400 yearly dues and $165 per member day. Up to 40 member days a year. I have no idea if that's in line with other clubs. But apparently they have small run groups with only about 220 total members.
But this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for!
09-02-2015, 08:53 PM
#24
Well, it seems most of those clubs are NOT in the Northeast.
I'm in PA...about an hour West of Philly. I did find New Jersey Motorsports Park which describes itself like a golf country club except you bring your car and drive the courses. Cost is $15k lifetime membership, $2400 yearly dues and $165 per member day. Up to 40 member days a year. I have no idea if that's in line with other clubs. But apparently they have small run groups with only about 220 total members.
But this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for!
I'm in PA...about an hour West of Philly. I did find New Jersey Motorsports Park which describes itself like a golf country club except you bring your car and drive the courses. Cost is $15k lifetime membership, $2400 yearly dues and $165 per member day. Up to 40 member days a year. I have no idea if that's in line with other clubs. But apparently they have small run groups with only about 220 total members.
But this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for!
09-02-2015, 09:13 PM
#25
Thanks Nate!
09-02-2015, 09:26 PM
#26
I just checked out the drivers clubs for both Lime Rock and MMC.
They are both way more expensive than NJMP. What does NJMP lack that the others have?
I appreciate any input.
Thanks!
09-02-2015, 09:53 PM
#27
Longest circuit and it's open the most days for members - but you pay for it.
Another option worth doing is something like Dave Murry track days - track goes green and you drive as much as you want in a day. They go around to different tracks and if the dates work for your schedule it's a good way to get a feel for them.
If you really start to get into it, daily running costs can be very high regardless of where...
Another option worth doing is something like Dave Murry track days - track goes green and you drive as much as you want in a day. They go around to different tracks and if the dates work for your schedule it's a good way to get a feel for them.
If you really start to get into it, daily running costs can be very high regardless of where...
09-02-2015, 10:18 PM
#29
